David Szalay is a worthy winner of the Booker Prize

The results of last night’s Booker Prize, the country’s most prestigious and generous literary award, turned out differently than expected. In a strong and balanced shortlist of three men and three women, many predicted that Andrew Miller’s The Land in Winter would take the £50,000 prize.

Miller, previously nominated in 2001 for Oxygen, was the most recognized author on the list. His new novel was not only the bestseller among the finalists but was also widely rumoured to have outsold all the other five combined. Bookmakers had made him the clear favourite, and many readers considered his victory almost inevitable.

However, the judging panel, chaired by writer Roddy Doyle and including actress and publisher Sarah Jessica Parker along with novelist Kiley Reid, saw matters differently. They awarded the prize and its generous cheque to the Hungarian-British author David Szalay for his novel Flesh.

“A dark book, but we all found it a joy to read,” said Doyle, adding, “It was clear that this was the book that all five of us liked most.”

Szalay’s win reinforces the sense that the literary landscape may be shifting, rewarding daring and nuanced storytelling.

Author’s Summary

David Szalay’s surprise Booker Prize win for Flesh highlights a changing literary climate, favouring bold and complex narratives over predictions and popularity.

The Spectator Australia — 2025-11-11

David Szalay is a worthy winner of the Booker Prize

Author’s Summary

More News